Understanding Dying
Wed 22 April
Peter Fenwick
Venue Multi-Faith Centre
Professor Peter Fenwick is widely regarded as the main clinical authority in the UK on the subject of ‘Near Death Experiences’ and is highly regarded by both medical colleagues and the media for his knowledge of this subject. Consultant Neuropsychiatrist and Neurophysiologist his experience and positions are legion.
He will be joined by his wife Elizabeth with whom he has recently published a book called the ‘Art of Dying’ which describes the extraordinary experiences which the dying and their relatives and carers report around the time of death. Together they will talk about how we can try to achieve a ‘good death’.
This talk is essential not only for people of faith but for workers in hospices and hospitals.
Erasmus Darwin’s Gardens: Botany, Horticulture and Arboriculture in Georgian England
Tue 28th April
Paul Elliott, Dept. of History, University of Derby
B Block room 102
Far from being disembodied and placeless, natural philosophy, botany and natural history in Georgian society were tied in very special ways to the land as the emphasis upon the patriotic importance of agricultural and horticultural improvement demonstrates. Grandfather of Charles Darwin and leading member of the famous Lunar Society of Birmingham, Erasmus Darwin was a physician and natural philosopher who achieved tremendous success towards the end of his life during his residency at Derby as a poet and writer. Physicians were, of course, required to study botany for practical purposes, although the subject became one of the most fashionable and polite subjects in Georgian society. This talk examines the role of gardens in the development of Darwin’s philosophical ideas, particularly with respect to horticulture, botany and arboriculture. At Lichfield Darwin’s botanic garden helped to inspire translations of the works of Linnaeus as well as the celebrated Loves of the Plants (1789) and Economy of Vegetation (1791). At Derby, Erasmus and his wife Elizabeth’s continued love of gardens and horticultural improvement subsequently encouraged him to try and reform medical philosophy according to the Linnaean template, to undertake changes to Linnaean taxonomy and to conduct practical studies of plant physiology and anatomy which were detailed in Phytologia (1800). Darwin’s love of plants and gardening also inspired him to draw illuminating and controversial parallels between animal and vegetable life, informing his psychophysiology and botany alike.
Reflections from a person of science and a man of faith
Wed 13 May
The Very Reverend Dr Jeff Cuttell
Venue Multi-Faith Centre
The Very Rev Dr Jeff-Outtell, Dean of Derby Cathedral has gone from being a nuclear physicist to ordination. He has bolted on an MA in modern philosophy, worked in BBC radio and television as producer and presenter, lectured on War and Ethics and experienced being a military chaplain. Dr Cuttell, a person of science and a man of faith, will reflect on a personal journey and reflections on the current debate.
Social Policy and Religion
Wed 20 May
Dr Graham Bowpitt
Venue Multi-Faith Centre
Religion works within the context of a wider society. But how has religion shaped social policy historically, and how should these two domains talk to each other in future? Dr Graham Bowpitt works in the School of Social Sciences at Nottingham Trent University and he has explored these questions, among others.
This event will explore the sensitive relationship between Church and State at the practical, policy level.
The Science of firearms and warfare
Tue 26th May
Jon Wright, Dept. of Forensics, University of Derby
B Block room 122
Details to follow.
Genesis and Geology
Wed 3rd June
Professor Hugh Rollinson
Venue Multi-Faith Centre
Hugh Rollinson is Professor of Earth Sciences at the University of Derby. In his recent book “Early Earth Systems” he describes how the Earth’s crust, its atmosphere, and oceans, were very different when the earth was in its infancy. This is also the time when life first emerged on earth. Hugh is a practising Christian, in this lecture he will explain how, at a time when views in this area tend to be strongly polarised, he reconciles his scientific understanding with a biblical faith.
How life began on Planet Earth’ a synopsis from a geologists point of view of the origin of life
Tue 16th June
Prof. Hugh Rollinson, Dept. Geography, Environmental & Earth Science
B Block room 102
Details to follow.
Water and Religion
Wed 24 June
Phil Brown
Venue Multi-Faith Centre
Water is central to life, and features in many religions, but what is this substance? Water is one of the most amazing chemicals known to man. What are the unique physical properties of this magical material? Why is it so essential for life? In this joint celebration of water, both the scientific and the religious points of view will be brought together to deepen our understanding of both its physical and spiritual significance.
Understanding the design and delivery of modern medicines
Tue 14th July
Dr. Matt Bunker, Molecular Profiles Ltd.
B226
Details to follow.
Venue and other details
All events are free. Unless otherwise stated the venue is:
The University of Derby
Kedleston Road
Derby
DE22 1GB
Times and details are as follows
Multi-Faith Centre
These events will start with coffee at 18:30 and talks will begin at 19:00. There will be a buffet supper during the event, which will finish around 21:00. All events will include a short presentation by the speaker and a round-table discussion in which members of the audience are encouraged to have their say.
B Block
These events will begin at 18:45 and end around 20:15.
Contact
For queries please contact Dr Ian Turner, Derbyshire Branch Chair, i.turner@derby.ac.uk
